WATERVILLE -- City councilors on Tuesday will consider setting a special election Jan. 13 for residents to decide whether Waterville Public Schools should share resources with Winslow and Vassalboro schools.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at The Center and will be preceded by a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to review the city's 2007-08 audit.

Councilors Nov. 18 took the first of three needed votes to set a special referendum for Jan. 13, at which voters would consider approving the so-called Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) plan.

The council on Tuesday could take a second vote or second and third vote to set the referendum date. Three votes are needed. If approved, Waterville polls would be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 13 at the American Legion hall on College Avenue. Winslow and Vassalboro also would hold special elections.

The AOS plan, prepared by the Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow Reorganization Planning Committee, would come into effect July 1, 2009, if approved.

As part of the plan, the school systems would share transportation, special education and other costs, but continue to have separate identities.

In other matters Tuesday, councilors will consider authorizing City Manager Michael Roy to sign an agreement with the state Department of Transportation that would allow the city to get money for final engineering, property acquisition and construction of a recreational trail from the North Street pool to Head of Falls.

The city would commit labor and equipment to help provide matching funds for the project.

Councilors will consider extending a lease with the Waterville Opera House Association and renewing a contract with Somerset County Communications Center.

Somerset takes 911 calls generated in Waterville and transfers those calls to the Waterville Regional Communication Center at the Police Department at City Hall.

The city would be charged $1 per capita annually for the service, to be renewed Jan. 1.

Councilors also will consider accepting a $1,000 heating assistance grant from the United Way of Mid-Maine, Inc.. The city's general assistance department would use the funds for clients who may not qualify for general assistance or emergency assistance through other local agencies.

Amy Calder -- 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com